UC Riverside study links dollar store food to poor health outcomes

Research from UC Riverside indicates a correlation between food purchased at dollar stores and increased rates of obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. The study, published in BMC Public Health, suggests that while these outlets offer lower prices, the high consumption of processed, lower-quality food may negatively impact health in a manner similar to fast food.

Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 500 Cities Project, researcher Ryan Bruellman analyzed patterns across major American metropolitan areas. The study examined approximately 34,000 locations from retailers including Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and the 99 Cent Store.

Findings showed that access to traditional grocery stores is linked to better health metrics, a trend that remained consistent even when accounting for income and unemployment levels. The study notes that because the census classifies dollar stores as general merchandise outlets rather than grocery stores, they are frequently excluded from food consumption research.